Tools and resources

Smoke from wood heaters is among the largest contributors to air pollution-related illness and premature death in Australia. In 2015, wood heater pollution was linked to an estimated 720 premature deaths in Australia at a cost equivalent to more than $3B. That is more smoke-related harm than Australia experienced during the unprecedented 2019-20 bushfire season.

In this submission, we summarise available evidence and make evidence-supported recommendations regarding several of the inquiry’s terms of reference. Our recommendations highlight the need for State and Commonwealth regulation to mitigate the health harms associated with diesel emissions from data centres.

The Centre for Safe Air’s submission to the ACCU Savanna Fire Management Methods consultation argues that carbon crediting schemes must account for the significant health impacts of landscape fire smoke on Northern Territory communities. The submission emphasises that air pollution is “the single greatest environmental threat to human health” and that Darwin experiences Australia’s most severe PM2.5 pollution, with “95% of the air pollution problem… due to landscape fires.” Evidence indicates that early dry‑season pollution has worsened since ACCU savanna‑burning projects began.

The Centre for Safe Air has made a submission to the NSW Public Accountability and Works Committee inquiry into data centres, outlining growing concerns about the air quality and health impacts associated with the sector’s rapid expansion. The submission highlights ongoing reliance on backup diesel generators as a largely unregulated source of harmful air pollution. The expansion of the data centres in outer urban areas, especially Western Sydney, places vulnerable populations at greater risk. The Centre calls for stronger planning and regulatory frameworks, including mandatory assessment of generator emissions, alignment with international emissions standards, and a shift toward cleaner and more efficient backup power solutions. Photo by İsmail Enes Ayhan on Unsplash

This joint submission brings together expertise in air quality, respiratory disease, and environmental exposures affecting children to contribute evidence on the potential implications of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) for health. Image credit: Karina Tess

Bushfire smoke is a common asthma trigger with a range of additional health risks. Use this Bushfire Smoke Asthma Plan to choose the steps you will take to stay safe.

The Centre for Safe Air, together with the HEAL Network and the ARC THRIVE Training Centre, has made a joint submission to the NSW Legislative Council’s Inquiry into Clean Indoor Air. Australians spend ~90% of their time indoors, yet air quality in public buildings remains largely unregulated and rarely monitored. In this submission, we recommend a staged, practical pathway for NSW Government buildings—starting with schools, aged care, hospitals, libraries and other facilities that serve at risk populations.

Air pollution is an important contributor to many illnesses in the community including lung disease, heart disease and stroke. New research from the Centre for Safe Air confirms that traffic is Australia’s single most important source of air pollution. This national assessment of health impacts from traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) found that emissions from vehicles—primarily fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂)—contribute to over 1,800 premature deaths annually. The data visualisation tool maps traffic-related air pollution and its health impacts across Australia.

The Bushfire Smoke Health Plan is a practical guide designed to help individuals reduce health risks during bushfire smoke events. It explains how air quality is measured using PM2.5 levels and provides clear actions for different air quality categories, from fair to extremely poor. The plan includes steps to monitor health, minimize smoke exposure, and maintain mental wellbeing. It outlines preparation strategies—such as sealing homes, creating clean air shelters, and stocking masks and medications—as well as recovery actions once conditions improve. Special attention is given to vulnerable groups, including older adults, young children, pregnant individuals, and those with chronic health conditions. The plan encourages proactive planning, regular air quality checks, and communication with healthcare providers to stay safe during and after smoke events.

All Australians should be able to breathe clean, safe air. But right now the health impacts of air pollution are increasing. Australians are exposed to more smoke from larger bushfires, more pollen from extended pollen seasons, and more biological hazards from worsening flood events and heavier rain. Our homes and public buildings are not designed to protect against mould proliferation, the spread of airborne infections, indoor pollutants like combustion emissions, or the infiltration of outdoor pollutants. These challenges come at significant cost to our health and wellbeing. Currently, outdoor air pollution is linked to approximately 3,200 premature deaths every year, costing Australia more than $6.2billion annually. In 2001, indoor air pollution in Australia was estimated to cost $12 billion per year, a figure that has only grown with new airborne respiratory viruses such as COVID-19.Air hazards impact every organ system in the body, increasing rates of cancer, cardiovascular disease, respiratory diseases, diabetes, obesity, and reproductive, neurological, and immune system disorders. Much of this impact is avoidable and even small improvements in air quality have substantial health benefits. Clean air is too important for government responsibility to remain fragmented across health and environment agencies and across different levels of government. Australia needs national leadership and investment to ensure effective and coordinated action is taken to secure cleaner air for all communities.